Shadows Collide with People

John Frusciante

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 24, 2004)
• Original Release Date: February 24, 2004
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Warner Bros / Wea
• ASIN: B00018TI5E
• Also Available in: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (88 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #27,235 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
It takes a lot to be known as the weird one out of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, but for guitarist John Frusciante the title comes easy. He abruptly quit the band at the height of its popularity in 1992 to become a full-time drug addict, claimed to communicate with the fourth dimension, and released a couple of predictably loopy solo albums before returning in time to record the group's brilliant comeback discs, 1999's Californication and 2001's By The Way. The odd and esoteric music on Shadows Collide With People, his fourth release outside the day job, proves that even drug-free he remains touched. Only now, Frusciante is better able to draw life out of his lo-fi experiments, twisting the shiftless strums and electronic fizzes of songs like "Regret" and "Song to Sing When I'm Lonely" into beautiful explorations reminiscent of Radiohead and the Mars Volta. It's no wonder the Chili Peppers make their best records whenever he's around. --Aidin Vaziri

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful work; truly outstanding in every way, February 26, 2004

By	eric_f (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews

Up until now I would have considered myself a mere casual fan of John Frusciante. Up until now I would have said that his most interesting work was with The Red Hot Chili Peppers. I own Niandra Lades & Usually Just a T-Shirt and To Record Only Water For Ten Days and like both, although I admit to only having given them a passing listen. But after listening to Shadows Collide With People, I have discovered this man's musical genius. I'm now inspired to listen to his other albums again and discover even more greatness, things which I probably missed before or simply went over my head.

But getting back to Shadows Collide With People, there isn't one song that doesn't totally captivate you. I've never heard music like this before. How does this guy do it? It's almost impossible to choose a favorite song but I would have to go with "Regret." While short, it's one of the most beautifully haunting songs I've ever heard, not to mention some excellent vocal effects. There are no filler songs on this album. John has poured his heart into this work, and each song reflects that.

In a world where by-the-numbers, stale, uninspiring factory processed music has inundated our ears, it's so refreshing to see that there are still musicians like John out there who can offer us something challenging and original. Is he unorthodox in his songwriting? Perhaps. Will any of these songs become a Top-40 hit? Doubtful. But that means nothing. Let the music speak for itself. Buy this album and let yourself be immersed.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars John is Back, March 17, 2004

By	Mike Chadwick (Gdynia,Poland) - See all my reviews

After gorgeous "to record wateer for ten days only" and two avantgarde previous releases Frusciante was touring with RHCP,he released another minimal music album through the internet. while first news about new studio release appeared i thouhgt that it will be another acoustic and drum machine based collection of introspective melancholic songs. i was wrong. i was truly shocked when i bought it and switched on my cd player. i also didin't knew any songs from it before.

"carvel" starts with ambient bubling but around 1.30 it grows into powerfull rocker.we have Bass,real drums,keyboards,guitars,clean good production - almost everything that was missing on his previous efforts.even John's vocals sound more powerfull.
other songs including highlights like "in relief","cut-out","the slaughter" and "every person" are amazing melodic guitar based songs with very personal lyrics.some cuts sound like some red hot's "by hte way" b sides ("water","this cold"). Frusciante's best friend,Josh Kilinghoffer plays amazingly on drum set and bass guitar,he even gets lead vocals on haunting "Ommision". My favourite songs is powerfull "Time goes back" were vocals,guitars and heavy bass sound just perfect.i bnet that it would be a hit if promoted by video and released as a single. There are three experimental ambient songs like creepy "000ghost7" that sound much different and wierd but they grow on you with every listening.

Overall,it is amazing piece of true rock genius,Fru is Ten years younger than all RHCP crew and he is still their most talented member. A stunning piece of music,get it now!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars ----------------==--------------------=, February 25, 2004

By A Customer

most people i know who hear johns first two albums are appalled and offended, usually refering in some way to a dying cat. or a man with his weiner slammed in a car door... i dont understand where theyre coming from those two records have remained two of my favorites, niandra for almost ten years, and smile for atleast six.. as a guitar player AND a singer there really isnt anyone in the same room with him. Smile From the streets you hold was a document from the bowels of heroin addiction with similar depth and bile as william burroughs' naked lunch.... and now john is clean his two albums since getting sober glow with the same elusive peace and gratitude that his first two could only shiver in the corner and dream about so few of us are pulled from those gates of insanity and death im so glad that today john is among them....